David E. Talbert on Baggage Claim | Tantorious

Tantorious is a monthly podcast series featuring interviews with well-known authors, hosted by Allan Hoving and presented by Tantor Audio.

David E. Talbert has written, directed, and produced fourteen critically acclaimed stage plays. His debut novel, Baggage Claim — a national bestseller and now a major motion picture starring Paula Patton and Taye Diggs — is a big-hearted story about friendship, family, and the relentless pursuit of love.

Excerpts from the audio interview:

Q: You’ve been called the people’s playwright; why does your work have such resonance?

A: They’re slices of everyday life. I like to write characters I know, and people relate to them.

Q: Who are some of your biggest influences?

A: My biggest influence is Neil Simon. Also August Wilson, the master craftsman of words.

Q: What about Tyler Perry?

A: Tyler has inspired me to make movies [laughs]. He’s really shown Hollywood that there is value in our stories being told, in movies starring African-Americans – and value to a mainstream audience. He’s inspired me as a filmmaker; but as a playwright, I started out several years before him.

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